024-13 Identification Requirements

Registration and Title Bulletin - #024-13

To remind you of the identification requirements and procedures effective September 1, 2013.

DETAILS

This is a reminder that the requirements for photo identification documents (IDs) will change as of September 1, 2013.

An application for title or initial registration is not acceptable unless the applicant presents a current photo identification of the owner containing a unique identification number and expiration date. The identification document must be one of the following identification documents:

driver's license or state identification certificate issued by a state or territory of the United States;

United States passport or foreign passport;

United States military identification card;

North Atlantic Treaty Organization identification;

identification issued under a Status of Forces Agreement;

United States Department of Homeland Security identification document;

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services identification document; or

United States Department of State identification document.

If the motor vehicle is titled in:

more than one name, then the identification of one owner must be presented;

the name of a leasing company, then the identification of the lessee or lessor's employee along with a business card or authorization written on the lessor's letterhead matching the identification of the employee must be presented;

the name of a trust, then the identification of a trustee must be presented; or

the name of a business, government entity, or organization, then a business card or authorization written on letterhead must be presented matching the identification of the applicant.

If a power of attorney is being used to apply for a title, then the applicant must show:

identification matching the person or employee of the entity named as power of attorney;

a business card or authorization written on the letterhead of an entity named as power of attorney that matches the identification of the employee; and

identification of the owner or lienholder.

"Current" is defined as not to exceed 12 months of expiration date.

A person who holds a general distinguishing number issued under Chapter 503 of the Transportation Code or Chapter 2301, Occupations Code, is not required to submit the owner's identification to the county tax assessor-collector, but must retain a copy of the owner's current photo identification in the purchase and sales records.

If the application was submitted before September 1, 2013, and rejected, then no ID number is required upon resubmittal.

If the vehicle was sold by a dealer before September 1, 2013, and is submitted within 30 days, or 45 days for dealer financed transactions, then no ID number must be submitted.

IDs are not required for initial applications for:

registration renewal; or

initial registration of non-titled vehicles.

COUNTY ACTION

If using paper 130-U, Application for Certificate of Title Form, please write the ID number on the margin of the first page of the 130-U, Application for Certificate of Title, until the new 130-U, Application for Title, is available in November.

CONTACT

If the motor vehicle dealers have questions, please contact your counties. If the counties have questions, please contact your local TxDMV Regional Service Center.